Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks

Tipoff: Thursday, February 2, 2012 – 8:00 PM ET,

Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Inspired by Carmelo Anthony’s return, the New York Knicks showed YouWager bettors one of their most efficient offensive display in almost seven years their last time out.

Even when their opponent in that game left much to be desired, New York knows they’ll be tested as they begin their only back-to-back-to-back stretch of the season tonight against the Eastern Conference-leading Chicago Bulls, who do not want to lose two in a row for the first time in nearly a year.

After dropping nine of 10, the Knicks (8-13) regrouped in fabulous fashion with a 113-86 rout of woeful Detroit on Tuesday. Anthony, who sat out the previous two games with ankle, wrist and thumb injuries, led the way with 25 points as New York shot 60.0 percent.

In the middle of a nine-game road swing, the Bulls had to do without injured starters Luol Deng and Richard Hamilton. While Hamilton has been ruled out indefinitely, Deng might just make it versus the Knicks following a six-game absence.

According to the NBA live lines, Deng was averaging 18.3 points and 9.0 rebounds over an eight-game span prior to getting hurt.

After averaging 34.3 points over his previous three basketball games, reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose scored 18 against Philadelphia 76ers.

Rose is averaging 26.2 points on 54.1 percent shooting over his last six meetings with the Knicks. He had 26 points while Deng scored 23 in a 103-90 win at Madison Square Garden on April 12.

Carlos Boozer also came up big in that game with 14 points and 22 rebounds — one shy of his career high. Boozer is averaging 22.5 points and 15.8 boards during his last six visits to New York.

Chicago hasn’t suffered back-to-back defeats since Feb. 5-7.